Royals place utility infielder Christian Colon on disabled list

Christian Colon has not played for the Royals since breaking the distal tip of his middle finger on Sept. 2. He will not be eligible to play again for at least another five games now.

The team placed him on the disabled list before Wednesday’s game against the White Sox. The stint is retroactive to Sept. 7. Colon has been able to field grounders and make throws, but he had not yet thrown at full capacity yet. He has not yet been cleared to swing a bat. His finger is still swollen.

The move is likely a procedural one. If Colon stays on the disabled list for the duration of the season, the team can add to the playoff roster a player who was not previously eligible, like reliever Brandon Finnegan or outfielder Carlos Peguero.

Colon impressed in a brief stint as a utility infielder this season. He batted .302 with a .790 OPS in 20 games.